GLASGOW ODDS ON FAVOURITE FOR EUROVISION

Glasgow is the odds-on favourite to stage the Eurovision Song Contest next year after the final shortlist of potential host cities was whittled down to two this week.

The 67^th edition will be held in the United Kingdom after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed 2022 winners Ukraine would not be able to host the event on safety grounds.

The search for a host city had already been trimmed to seven after this year’s runners-up were given the nod to step in and Glasgow has now been backed down to 4/9 from 2/1 with BoyleSports to stage the event, with Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield all out of contention.

Liverpool was a 10/1 shot when betting opened and remains the underdog despite shortening into 13/8 and receiving the backing of Labour leader Keir Starmer when he hosted the party’s conference in the city this week.

Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Glasgow has been the favourite to host Eurovision from the minute we knew it was heading to the UK, so it’s no surprise to see it backed into odds-on now it’s in the final two. Liverpool has been gambled at prices as big as 10/1, so we’re hoping the betting is on the money because that would be a bad result for us now.”

SCOTS ARTIST ROGUE ONE GIVES A COLOURFUL CHAT AT UBIQUITOUS CHIP

ROGUE ONE, the artist behind many of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed public street artworks admitted he’s hidden himself inside many of his famous murals around the city. 

As the first very special guest of CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHIP; a new series of events by Ubiquitous Chip inviting the country’s leading creative figures to share their images, ideas and inspirations, he entertained the audience with tales from the start of his tagging life to where he is right now. 

 The artists whose real name is Bobby McNamara is normally pretty elusive so it was a joy to see him come out of the shadows for the the first CONVERSATIONS AT THE CHIP event at the much-loved Ashton Lane institution. 

Speaking with The Glasgowist’s Paul Trainer, Bobby was right at home as he spoke of his favourite artworks and the perils of working atop a cherry picker. 

 Known for his incredible works across Scotland, including in Glasgow The World's Most Economical Taxi in Mitchell Lane and Crazy Cat Lady on Sauchiehall Street, as well as the staggeringly beautiful montage wrapping The Clutha of figures such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Billy Connolly, John Byrne, Paolo Nutini and Sharleen Spiteri, ROGUE ONE also said he has turned down many a request - but asks for permission before he creates any artwork these days. 

His clients now include VisitScotland, Glasgow City Council, housing associations and residential landlords, educational establishments, and numerous private customers.

The event which cost £40 per person included a drinks reception with special X by Glenmorangie cocktails on losing an old fashioned and delicious peach option as well as  three course supper curated by The Brasserie Head Chef, Maccy. 

Guests enjoyed dishes like haggis, salmon and a lemon posset to finish.The Ubiquitous Chip plans several more events over coming months.

EMELI SANDE IS ENGAGED AND YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT HER RING

Pic- Instagram -Emeli Sande 

EMELI Sandé has revealed that she’s engaged to her girlfriend, classical pianist Yoana Karemova and the showbizlion.com wishes the happy couple big congratulations.

The Scots Read All About It singer took to Instagram on Wednesday 21st September 2022 to share a photograph of her smiling as she showcased her beautiful engagement ring. 

She captioned the heartwarming snap: “I said Yes!” followed by two heart emojis.

Engagement ring specialists at UK retailer Steven Stone couldn't wait to take a close look at the eye-catching ring.

They noticed that it features a 3 carat ruby red stone - the stone of love

It’s an 11 stone cluster ring - and the ruby is surrounded by 3mm round diamonds 

The ruby is also set on a yellow gold band

The ring is made from a vintage design that came into fashion in the Edwardian period

And their experts estimate it to be worth £70,000.

 Maxwell Stone commented: “Emeli’s engagement ring is stunning. Featuring what looks to be a 3 carat ruby red stone, set on a yellow gold band, it's certainly eye catching. Ruby is an incredibly romantic choice of gemstone – not only has it long been associated with energy, passion and power for life, but it’s the stone of love.

 The ruby is surrounded by eleven 3mm round diamonds, making it a cluster ring - an elegant design that first came into fashion in the Edwardian period. From a distance, cluster rings can appear to be one large diamond as they glint and shine in the light.

 I’d estimate Emeli's engagement ring to be worth £70,000.”

LEWIS CAPALDI RETURNS AFTER THREE YEARS WITH CHARTTOPPER

LEWIS Capaldi has returned after three years away from us all - and he’s topped the charts again. 

The Scottish superstar, who gives Beyoncé a run for her money, has returned in style as his new single ‘Forget Me’ rockets straight to the top of the UK singles chart, making it his third UK number 1 single.

Lewis becomes just the third artist this year to have a single go straight in at Number 1 in its first week, alongside Harry Styles (‘As It Was’) and Dave (‘Starlight’), and also marks ‘Forget Me’ as just the eighth number one UK single of 2022.

From announcing the single via a TikTok live stream during the closing night of his two sold-out London’s O2 Arena shows, ‘Forget Me’ arrived with high anticipation from the start, smashing ten million streams in just a few days, surpassing his own week 1 streaming record on hits ‘Someone You Loved & ‘Before You Go’.

Fans across the world have connected with the new track in their droves, confirming that the insatiable appetite for Capaldi burns as bright as ever.

Then came a true spectacle of a music video that saw Lewis re-enact Wham’s 1983 hit ‘Club Tropicana’ shot-for-shot which, in not even a week of existence, has already gone viral and racked up over four million views.

This is just the start of the next chapter in Lewis Capaldi’s career, picking up exactly where he left off and now equalling Adele in accomplishing a hat-trick of UK Number 1 singles. With his welcome, entertaining return to social media and more exciting news on the way, it's a joy to have the quick-witted hitmaker back as he sits on the cusp of becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet.

EASE UP FOR AUTUMN AT YOTEL GLASGOW

YOTEL Glasgow is helping to keep you relaxed and limber up for the autumn with free yoga and journalling classes in the sky. 

Partnering with yoga guru Jess Mackenzie, the hotel is hosting the YO-ga sessions at its rooftop venue VEGA with panoramic, sunrise views of Glasgow. 

As the seasons change, guests will be encouraged to take time for themselves and reset for autumn with a series of free classes. The tranquil one-hour sessions are suitable for all abilities and will run every Tuesday at  7.30am between Tuesday 20th September until Tuesday 11th October - reserve your free ticket here. 

Taking place at YOTEL Glasgow’s rooftop venue VEGA, guests will be greeted with a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window view across Glasgow as the sun rises in the city.  Yoga teacher Jess will lead the class in the sunrise stretching sessions, before rounding off with a mini journalling lesson, aiming to show guests the best way to implement mindfulness and gratitude into their daily routine. 

The perfect way to reset, refocus and re-energise for the final few months of 2022, YOTEL Glasgow’s rooftop yoga classes are open to all, with 18 free spots available every week, each focusing on a new wellbeing theme. 

7.30am Tuesday 20th September - Yoga and Journalling - Let Go to Grow 

7.30am Tuesday 27th September - Yoga and Journalling - The Key to Happiness 

7.30am Tuesday 4th October - Yoga and Journalling - Embrace Change 

7.30am Tuesday 11th October - Yoga and Journalling - Self Reflection

Offering a different experience in one of the city’s coolest spaces, Jess Mackenzie is set to provide a wake up call like no other at the hotel’s weekly classes. Whether brand new to yoga or an expert in cobra poses, Jess will guide guests through one hour of creative movement and self-love. Her teaching follows a powerful and fluid vinyasa practice with a deep-rooted holistic approach and having previously taught some of the UK’s top athletes including Olympians for Team GB, Jess will bring her calming and thoughtful yoga practice to YOTEL Glasgow this autumn.

Jess Mackenzie said, “I can’t wait to begin our series of sunrise yoga and journalling sessions at VEGA this autumn. These wholesome, beginner-friendly yoga classes will help you prioritise your own health and happiness through movement, mindfulness and special gratitude journalling prompts."

“I've found that creating new rituals is a great way to look after our energy levels, especially as we start to ease into autumn and prepare for the fast approaching busy festive season! My classes are all about self-love, positivity and personal-growth. Growth happens when we try something new, so if you've never tried yoga or journalling, this is the perfect opportunity to put yourself first! Go ahead, book in! I'll be there to ensure you leave feeling uplifted and ready for a day full of possibility.”

Yoga mats and journalling stationery will be provided, plus VEGA also serves breakfast until 10am on weekdays for YOTEL Glasgow guests.

For anyone looking to start their workday at VEGA following the sunrise yoga class, the venue’s brand new co-working package offers unlimited tea and coffee. Open to anyone who arrives before 11am for just £10, the deal includes a morning pastry, unlimited tea and coffee and access to VEGA’s bright co-working space with super-fast free WiFi, charging points and great coffee. Book now at www.vegaglasgow.com/work-from-vega/

For more information or to make a booking at VEGA, visit vegaglasgow.com or email vega@yotel.com 

 

For more information or to make a booking at YOTEL Glasgow, visit yotel.com 

 

CALLUM BEATTIE WILL PUT ON INTIMATE GLASGOW HOTEL PERFORMANCES

CALLUM Beattie is celebrating the release of his album Vandals with two intimate full-band performances in a Scots hotel. 

 

The RED Sky Bar, perched on top of Radisson RED Glasgow and with the most unique view in the country, will provide the perfect setting for these very special shows on Tuesday, November 1.

 

Callum – who is normally found on the main stage at TRNSMT, supporting the likes of Amy MacDonald at the Hydro or on tour or at Montreux Jazz Festival – will perform to just 150 lucky fans at each show.

 

Callum said: “I love the venue – it’s really something special – and we have had some great times at Radisson RED.

 

“So when we wanted to put on something really cool for fans, it was the first place we thought of – and luckily they jumped at the idea.

 

“The whole idea was to keep it small, intimate, so the RED Sky Bar is perfect – and we are doing two performances so 300 fans will get to be part of it overall.

 

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the album release – hanging out with fans, playing old favourites and new stuff from the album and just having a party in this beautiful room overlooking Glasgow.”

 

Radisson RED has been building an impressive pedigree of big names playing there, from Tom Walker to Arielle Free, George Bowie and Baby Strange as well as massive club nights with international DJs

 

Curator Graham Chalmers said: “We are thrilled Callum is marking his album release with these very intimate shows in our RED Sky Bar.

 

“He’s dropped by for an impromptu song or two a few times in the past but we are really pleased he wants to celebrate such a huge occasion with us.

 

“It will be an incredible evening, seeing him not on a massive stage miles away, but just a few feet from the audience. 

 

“Callum is one of the most exciting talents to come out of Scotland in years and he will be headlining arenas soon, so this is not to be missed.”

 

The performances will be at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, with each lasting around an hour. Tickets are on sale now priced £30 for each show. 

 

Tickets are available now from these links, one for each show – so follow the link to the one you’d like to attend - 

 

7.30 show - https://buy.stripe.com/4gweYGcSo9FX3VS004

 

9.30 show - https://buy.stripe.com/bIY6sa7y4bO5fEA005

 

Strictly over 18’s only.

CONNECT MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL RETURN AND HERE’S WHY

CONNECT FESTIVAL managed to stand out from the crowd for its first ever appearance and prove it was no ordinary music festival. 

By mixing up the best in live music; from grassroot headliners, to up-and-comers, with everything from comedy and spoken word at the Speakeasy, culinary sensation, immaculate vibes in the ‘X Lounge’, to therapeutic treatments from leading experts in the field of Yoga, sound therapy and breathwork it proved to be a unique experience that theshowbizlion.com looks forward to attending next year. 

The Connect Event Team were ecstatic at the response, with Event Manager, Katt Lingard saying: “After many months of planning, we’re so glad to have finally relaunched Connect Festival and what an incredible comeback weekend we’ve had. With a fantastic line-up of over 80 artists across six stages and thousands of incredible fans every day - it’s been special”. 

“We’ve created something truly unique at the Royal Highland Centre site. Connect is about music, discovery, experiences and memories - showcasing an eclectic line up of comedy, spoken word, wellness and grassroots talent in a dazzling collection of intimate settings. It was just as special for the artists as it was for the fans, with some of the most positive feedback we've ever heard from across the line up.

“We’re so grateful to fans for their passion and commitment to live music, allowing us to bring Connect Festival back in 2023. We’re already thinking of ways to make it even better and I’d like to thank the artists, the fans and everyone who has worked extremely hard behind the scenes to make this festival happen. I can’t wait for next year already.”

Here’s the top ten moments from this year:  

THE SMALL, MAGICAL ONES

“I love these ones, the small, magical ones when we’re in each other’s laps”, Jessie Buckley proclaimed at the Tiny Changes X Gardeners Cottage, an intimate crowd, Jessie beamed with the kind of joy only a Scottish audience can induce as she broke into a cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Just Like A Woman’, accompanied by Bernard Butler of Suede fame, the stars truly aligned as this duo created soul bearing folk magic. 

TAKE A DIP

For those early morning Connect campers brave enough, cold water therapy got their day started off right, albeit chilly. Immersing themselves neck deep in a 6ft long steel ice bath, revellers reconnected with themselves. 

TRANSFUSION 

With afternoon showers pouring, TAAHLIAH made her way to the Unknown Pleasures tent. A leading figure in Glasgow and Berlin’s underground LGBT+ dance scenes’, she harnessed raw, electronica and sickly sweet hyper-pop beats to dazzle the crowd; who took no notice of the drizzle as they partied into the afternoon. 

IT WON’T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME 

Walking out to thunderous bass and roaring cheers, The Twilight Sad, lead singer James Graham’s signature twangy Glaswegian vocals permeated into the very heart of The Grand Parade crowd on Friday night. Accompanied by Frightened Rabbit drummer Grant Hutchinson, they dedicated their cover of ‘Keep Yourself Warm’ to anyone struggling with mental health. 

TAKE A SEAT AT THE CHEF’S TABLE 

Chef Barry Bryson invited Connect fans to a special pop-up dining experience, as he masterfully took restaurant concepts and fine dining triumph to an event level - pairing classic Scottish flavours with contemporary flare - for those who enjoy the finer things, it was not to be missed as he served up apple smoked sea trout, fish cakes and locally produced strawberries and milk chocolate. 

“OH GOOD LORD”

The modest Speakeasy tent was spilling out on Sunday afternoon as comedian Troy Hawke made his debut. Strutting on stage, he was adorned in a purple silk smoking jacket, saying “Something you’ll notice about me is that I have the ability to blend in seamlessly to my environment”, admiring his attire he grins - the crowd hanging onto every word of his uniquely bonkers routine. 

PRIORITISE PLEASURE 

“You have been f*****g lovely Connect”, screamed pop sensation Self Esteem. Recently shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize for her acclaimed album ‘Prioritise Pleasure’, she cut across the main stage with razor sharp precision, infusing edgy choreography with powerhouse vocals and tongue in cheek lyrics - there may just be a new Pop Queen on the horizon. 

FIND YOUR INNER ZEN 

When not singing along to your favourite band, or discovering an up-and-comer sure to make their way to your playlist, Connect fans were transported into a journey of calm and personal wellness as leading expert Cat Boyle, brought her expertise, offering vinyasa yoga at the Rest & Be Thankful tent. 

CRAWLER

Celebrated post-punk legends, IDLES served a searing, white hot energy on Connect’s opening night. In colossal fashion, the band brought their brutal post-hardcore sound and, shaking with energy, lead singer Joe Talbot commanded The Grand Parade as revellers descended into a glorious chaos of sound. 

A TINY CHANGE, ONE BIG MOMENT 

Mid-day struck and the cryptic announcement was out, ‘Secret Set Added - 7:45pm at the Tiny Changes x Gardener’s Cottage’. Rumours swirled as alt.rock heroes, The National took to the intimate stage for a performance of cult classic’ About Today’ and ‘This Isn’t Helping’. With roaring applause, The National’s Aaron Dressner said “It’s a pleasure to support Tiny Changes… this charity is amazing and any awareness we can raise for mental health, we want to do that because we all struggle with it.” What a way to see out Connect 2022. 

LET’S RECONNECT SUMMER 2023 

Connect Festival will return in 2023 from 25th-27th August. Pre-sale is available to past buyers and those on the Connect mailing list from 9am Wednesday 31st August and general sale will commence 9am Friday 2nd September. Tickets available to purchase via WWW.CONNECTFEST.COM